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Newsroom
Press releases
distributed in partnership with ... Mi2N, New Music Weekly,
PR.com and the Billboard Media Wire
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JULY 2010

U.S. Army Soldier ‘Mista Latex’ joins
current Sunset roster mate and U.S. Army
Soldier, ‘Nikko Starr’ by signing a
Recording Deal from their respective Forward
Operating Bases (FOB) in Afghanistan.
Don
Lichterman, the head of Sunset closes his
second recording deal with the second staff
sergeant army soldiers (Mista Latex and
Nikko Starr) while stationed, deployed and
fighting in the Afghanistan War!
SSG Dexter Nelams pka ‘Mista Latex’s new CD,
"Crush Tape," will be released in late
September by Sunset Urban Records. SSG
Nelams is with the United States Army, 92nd
Brigade Combat Team, currently deployed to
the Sharana district in Afghanistan. ‘Nikko’
(Starr), is the SSG with the 33rd, based out
of Clarksville, Tennessee, but also is
currently deployed to field battles every
day during the Afghanistan War, with his
home base during the war at the Clark APO.
Over
the past six months, the Sunset Urban record
label has now signed two separate
multi-album recording deals with two
separate United States Army soldiers from
two separate parts of Afghanistan and this
deal will now give ‘Mista Latex’ the ability
to release of his debut album, "Crush Pay,"
during his active duty during war time and
while deployed in Afghanistan. “If you think
about it from positively and/or from a time
line and lead time point of view,” says, Don
Lichterman, the head of Sunset, “we will not
only be setting up these projects during
this time while they are fighting for people
like me, let alone their fans, we will also
be getting their music in constant rotation
at radio, getting their names in the music
publications, press wires and we will work
their vigorously work their music out for
potential license deals, in store plays,
internet plays and most of all, we will be
creating great revenues for their respective
accounts all while they are fighting for the
United States.” (Don) Lichterman also says
that he “wants their minds at ease” so to
speak and that “the last thing I want these
guys thinking about today is their music and
at the same time, if they (Nikko Starr and
Mista Latex) know we are working their
music, they can keep their heads and minds
on our mission in Afghanistan.”
Sunset Urban is planning to release the
extensive 28 song Crush Tape CD by Mista
Latex by the end of the third quarter this
year. The street date is currently set up
for the last Tuesday in September, however,
the label head (Don Lichterman) that is “not
written in stone” and “the only real reason
I want to rush it out before the end of the
third quarter, is to get his project and
name placed on the Grammy Nomination
Ballot.” Grammy nominations are due by
September 30th this year. And,
the label (Sunset Urban) is also planning on
releasing the debut Nikko Starr CD at the
beginning of 2011. Although, Sunset’s Urban
record label is currently working (4) full
length songs by Nikko (Starr) to its
licensing partners and for some airplay, but
there is nothing being set up at retail
and/or for resale by (Nikko) Starr until
early 2011.
Sunset
signs production and distribution deal with
Memphis based booker and live music
promoter, Papa G. Records.
Memphis based record label, promoter, booker and
Production Company, Maverick Group Marketing
Inc. (MGM) / Papa G. Records and Sunset
Records / Sunset Distribution Company have
announced today an exclusive worldwide
distribution deal through Sunset Records /
Sunset Distribution Company. The multi year
contract and joint venture between the
Memphis based multi-media record company
Papa G. Records and with the New York & New
Jersey based Sunset Records & Sunset
Distribution Company is a deal that will
bring current artists like Crushing Juliet
and Chosen View to Sunset from the Papa G.
label/company.
Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset says that “Papa G.
himself (John Garrison) is one of the top
A&R people in the world, and my plan is to
allow him and his staff to go off to sign
any artists he works personally in the
Memphis areas,” and “because he books and
promotes one of the best halls (The
Minglewood) in one of the best music areas
in the world (on Beale Street in Memphis,
Tennessee), I look forward to having him
deliver new music to Sunset for many years.”
(Don) Lichterman also says that “he (Papa
G.) Is on the pulse of picking up on new
trends in music” and that Papa G. is also
“on the pulse of hearing new bands that play
live at the Memphis venues he books live
shows.” Lichterman goes on to say that he is
“thrilled to work with Papa G. as a great
extension to my company,” let alone
“watching him do his A&R for Sunset because
he has brought me to hear some of the best
arrays of music collectively, that I have
heard in one sitting in many years.”
The new production and distribution deal will
continue to develop, license, and release
recorded music and any entertainment related
product the Memphis based company (Papa G.
Records) delivers to Sunset in any genre
and/or in any format. Aside from the initial
releases of the alternative rock bands,
CHOSEN VIEW (The Common Thread is due in
stores: September 21, 2010) and CRUSHING
JULIET (Broken Cadillac is due in stores:
September 21, 2010) that are being released
through the Sunset Record label, Papa G.
Records plans to deliver bands in a variety
of genres including Blues, Americana, Art
Rock, R&B/Soul, Rock N’ Roll, and World
music. The first projects through the new
Papa G. / Sunset deal is slated for Fall
release in 2010 with two new albums, The
Common Thread (In Stores 9/21/2010) which is
a brand new album from the alternative rock
band by CHOSEN VIEW (Sunset Records) and the
Broken Cadillac (In Stores 9/14/2010)
alternative album by pop rock act, CRUSHING
JULIET (Sunset Connect). "Both of these
artists are an enormous talent with key
songs for radio so I want them out by the
end of September this year,” (Don)
Lichterman says about the first two Papa G.
titles being released in the Sunset
Distribution system, “we (Sunset) are
extremely psyched to be able to bring his
(Papa G.) music, his bands and his sense of
direction with music he works to the next
obvious level in this industry, I also want
to get his music and bands out to more of a
mainstream and global audience." The
alternative sub modern rock song, “Under The
Swell” by the Chosen View’s The Common
Thread CD has already begun to impact radio
in the US and radio overseas in Italy, and
the UK and “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” on
the Broken Cadillac CD have already been
placed through two license (to be announced
this month) deals both in the United States
and in Italy.
MAY 2010
Sunset Recording artist and acclaimed Television
Host, Rachel Fine, is tapped as Associate Producer
and Interviewer on new Roberta Flack documentary,
“Magic Lady.”
Rachel Fine will work as Associate Producer on the
Roberta Flack “Magic Lady” documentary feature film
with the Pocono Mountains Film Festival Founder,
Bridget O. Davis.
Singer, Songwriter, Television Host and Actress,
Rachel Fine has begun work with the Pocono Mountains
Film Festival on a new Roberta Flack documentary due
out later this year. (Rachel) Fine is well known for
her recording career (Sunset Records) with her debut
album "Own Your Own" in stores all over the world,
and she is also well known for hosting the weekly
comedy news series "The Bonus Show" for Howard
Stern, available on iN DEMAND Networks in over 40
million homes. Rachel co-hosts the show alongside
Jon Hein with new episodes available on demand
beginning every Monday at midnight. She also hit the
entertainment scene with features in Glamour
Magazine and on Shade 45 and as the host and red
carpet interviewer at Project Runway winner Irina
Shabayeva's Fall 2010 show at New York Fashion Week.
“This is perfect for Rachel,” says Don Lichterman,
head of Sunset Records, “Rachel is thrilled to be
working on a film about one of her favorite musical
influences, plus she'll get to interview a broad
range of top music artists for the film. She is a
seasoned pro as TV Host and Announcer but most
importantly, (Pocono Mountain Film Festival Founder
and "Magic Lady" Director) Bridget (O. Davis) has
asked Rachel to sing in the film.” Davis, who is
writing, directing and producing the piece says of
Fine, "I first became acquainted with Rachel's music
in 2009 and immediately heard the influence of 70s
funk, Philly Soul and Quiet Storm underneath the
trip hop feel. Rachel embodies a generation of
today's up and coming artists who still draw
inspiration from Roberta's iconic sound and style. I
asked her to come aboard as Associate Producer to
bring Roberta's story to an ever broader audience.
We at the Pocono Mountains Film Festival are very
excited to work with Rachel."
Rachel was born in Ohio and spent time working in
executive management before becoming a Cable TV Host
on Howard TV's "The Bonus Show" and securing a multi
faceted recording deal with major indy label Sunset
Records. As an activist, she serves as Chief
Ambassador to The MacDella Cooper Foundation which
is devoted to empowering Liberian youth, especially
orphans and abandoned children, by providing
education and the basic necessities of food,
clothing, and shelter while building the first
tuition free schools in post-war Liberia.
Contact ArtistDevelopment@SunsetRecordings.com or
visit the Rachel Fine official web sites (www.RachelFine.SunsetRecordings.com
and www.RachelFine.com) for all of her information
and for all Poconos Film Festival information, visit
their official web site (http://www.poconomountainsfilmfestival.net).
Pascal G’s back, singing his “Tale Of Lola” with his
English debut CD Album with Tropical Records on May
11th!
Pascal G. is releasing his “Tale Of Lola” CD which
comes with a very special music video with Tropical
Records.
Pascal Mania is hitting the international music
world with 16 songs, plus the “Tale Of Lola” music
video on a very special CD set to hit stores on May
11. The first single, “Tale Of Lola” is a
captivating, hip-swirling' hit song with that Pascal
G. signature Latino style of music. The Spanish
version of the single is also included on the CD,
along with a very special remix of the song. Every
song on this CD is composed in English and in
Spanish with a couple remixes of one other remixes
song (Chica Latina), along with the music video of
“Tale Of Lola” (English Version). And, the teen
heart throb shows his own heart with the song, “Come
Make A Little Step Of Peace” (Official song for
UNICEF Germany), which all proceeds and revenues
from the sale of downloads, ringtones, streams and
sales of the CD (pro rated) will go direct to UNICEF
in Germany.
“Tale Of Lola” is the first English release by the
Puerto Rican teen heartthrob – Pascal G. plans on
expanding from his Latin American fan base and
audience, to the expanding global market around the
world with his Tropical Records (a Sunset
Recordings, Inc. Company) release. Pascal can sing,
write and his heartfelt lyrics are attracts that
global audience. Pascal is making that transition
from Spanish written and performed songs, to having
versions made in English. The music video for “Tale
Of Lola” is being released this week. Pascal and his
new label, Tropical, are ready to release the CD and
music video all over the world.
With a vocal range that sounds like a seasoned
veteran, let alone an adult, the teen takes his
signature 'Latino sound' to a higher level with this
perfectly produced 16 song CD. And, what is evident
on the album is an array of pop songs and accessible
lyrics that Pascal delivers with his strong vocals.
People can compare Pascal G. to be the next Ricky
Martin and there is also a Shakira vibe heard in his
songs. The album is one to make fans of pop music
want to dance and sing along with the hip shaking
pop superstar. This is an album that will no doubt
lift the spirit of the listener while making you
want to “shake your booty” on the dance floor.
Don Lichterman, the head of Tropical says that he is
“thrilled to work this international styled music
artist and that for such young aged performer, he is
very adult like when it comes to his music.” (Don)
Lichterman goes on to say that “I also love the
added value having his “Tale Of Lola” music video
included on the specially priced CD.” The idea to
use the music video as part of the CD came from
(Don) Lichterman although he is quick to give that
credit to his manufacturing arm and partner, ELS
Productions. “Honestly, the fact that Mark
(McClelland) at ELS said it was a no brainer to
release the new CD with the music video, made it an
easy decision.” The label does insist that the SRLP
(Standard Retail List Price) will stay at the normal
$15.98 although the label will mark it down further
to a $9.99 retail base price for both digital
downloads and for physical CDs. Tropical will
release the “Tale Of Lola” CD worldwide to stores on
May 11th!
Rachel Fine signs with
Sunset Records.
Multi faceted
entertainer, Rachel Fine signs a multi faceted record
deal with Sunset.
In recent months, Rachel
Fine has put the finishing touch on her debut album, Own
Your Own, also showcasing that music to the great
Village crowds at some ultra hip and avant garde music
venues in downtown New York City. (Rachel) Fine’s
nouveau and neo soul vocal style caught the ears of
Sunset Records label head, Don Lichterman who said that
“not only will we expand her distribution, her songs
will be available right away for our licensing partners
to work.” Fine will now join the roster at the
independent label Sunset Records, the current home to
quirky alternative act, the Federal Moguls (Q-Ball from
The Bloodhound Gang, Troy Walsh) along with Grayscale
(Featured Now on FMQB’s CD) and the Universal Music
Switzerland International pop star, now at
Tropical/Sunset Sunset, Pascal G. The label has also had
successful efforts in the last two years with critically
acclaimed artists like Richaste (Produced by Pat Aeby (Krokus)),
House On The Hill, Down From Zero (Top Ten at AOL/MTV’s
Our Stage) and Steve Garcia (“9 West” CD due out August
2010).
Fine’s debut CD is
expected to be released worldwide this summer, with a
temporary street date set for July 27. “My goal with
Rachel is to not only make sure she knows that she has a
home to release her music,” says (Don) Lichterman, “she
also is very opened to having her music worked in some
cool ways.” The label also has plans to work her
upcoming release to the “college market, alternative
music market and to the adult (AAA, HOT AC, AC) music
markets,” says the label head (Don Lichterman). Prior to
the CD release this summer, (Rachel) Fine has another
very special live performance set up on June 4th at the
beautiful Gallery Bar located in the lower village in
New York City.
(Don) Lichterman also
made hints to the artists doing “live downloads” of her
shows to be released at Sunset Live (www.Sunset-Live.com).
For now, the label will now begin to set up the new “Own
Your Own” CD for the upstart neo soul vocal music
artist, Rachel Fine.
MARCH
2010
Sing And Sign A Language: Spanish
Opens up a World of Spanish Language Learning for
the Children’s marketplace.
Sunset Strategic Marketing (SSM) is
setting up their first release that will tap into
the children’s marketplace with the Sign and Sign a
Language: Spanish three (3) CD Set.
The “Sing And Sign A Language:
Spanish” CD Set is not only a specially packaged
three (3) CD set, the initial concept for this type
of a release was also produced to create a learning
kit for children in their greatest development
years. The entire set was then developed by Susan
Dezenhall Schwartz along with sound man, Eric Aubrey
at his Red Armadillo recording facility outside of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The entire project was
produced, performed and recorded by (Susan Dezenhall)
Schwartz, a linguist, composer, vocalist, educator
and mother.
(Susan Dezenhall) Schwartz,
unimpressed with the educational programs available
for children’s learning, decided to create a
learning program herself and for the students she
teaches every day. Starting this inevitable series
of language learning products with Spanish became
the obvious choice considering the ethnicity of
children in her classes. However, Don Lichterman,
the head of Sunset Records / SSM says that there are
“plans to franchise this concept with more languages
like Hebrew and French,” and that was always “the
plan with Susan and me from day one.”
After three years of study, research
and development, this very special set comes out as
a CD and the label has already made way for the
entire set to be available as downloads and
ringtones. Lichterman goes on to say that “Susan (Dezenhall
Schwartz) seems thrilled to have this be placed in
stores,” and “I am thrilled to be working a project
for kids.” This is first educational related product
released at the Sunset/SSM company and the launch of
this premier Spanish set “Sing and Sign A Language:
Spanish” is perfect to educate and the songs are a
great listen. The set includes not only lyric’s in
Spanish, there is also a translation to English in
the nicely packaged inside booklet and there are
lesson plans for kids to follow along with too. The
label; has these booklets available online (pdf) for
everyone to download and print them out for free.
What is now called, The Sing and Sign
a Language Series as a concept takes a unique
approach at teaching the Spanish language to
children and after hearing the Spanish CD set from
beginning to end, it is easy to see how teaching and
learning languages can be fun, colorful, easy and
enjoyable. The “Sing And Sign” approach is set up to
simulate a fun learning environment by introducing
easy words to learn in every day conversations,
introducing vocabulary through a story, keying on
commonly spoken words, terms, sentences, phrases for
easy use every day, uses an array of teaching
resources and materials for children’s and parents
to learn these lessons in an efficient way, and most
of all, the goal is to keep things fun while
learning. Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset said
that "the best part of about this project is the
overall reaction to it, and I am confidant by the
pre sales at Amazon, let alone that initial reaction
to the set, that this will be a great teaching and
learning tool for kids and parents."Not only do I
feel this set help people teach and learn Espanol,
the songs are great to listen to in general,” says
(Don) Lichterman about the three CD set.
The CD includes songs that sound like
classics/standards like the “Bienvenidos” and
“Adios” intro and outré to each lesson plan, is not
only accessible to people, it is also recognizable
in some ways. And, there are a total of thirty seven
(37) Spanish versions of songs that sound like there
is choir of kids singing behind the lead vocals. The
songs are also set up in ways for children to learn
in a chronological way and to be able to follow
along with throughout the entire Set. Disc one is
Lesson I / Level I while the second disc is for
Lesson/Level Plan II and then the third disc is the
Level II lesson plan. Consumers will be able to buy
all three (3) CDs in one set from retail stores that
sell CDs and DVDs, and consumers will also be able
to buy individual songs and the individual Discs at
stores that sell downloads and streams. The overall
sound is very colorful and the CD is perfect to
listen to at home, in a car, as well as with
teachers and parents.
Moreover, "Sing and Sign a Language"
is a multi purpose type of a CD release that is to
be used at home and the label also will be working
with Alibris to get the product into libraries and
educational facilities around the world. The label
plans to work this into school programs and/or
educational enrichment programs that teach the
languages. And, teachers, educators and parents do
not need to know the Spanish language to use this
product in an effective and efficient way. Parents
and teachers will learn the language too as they
teach it. Both English and Spanish are translated as
part of the special packaging. The lesson plans are
also included in that special packaging.
The "Sing and Sign A Language:
SPANISH" is the debut release and there are plans to
create more multimedia educational projects at SSM.
The content on the CD set tells a story in a way to
help you learn every day things about life.
For more information about the “Sing And Sign A
Language: Spanish” CD Set and language series,
please visit www.SingAndSign.SunsetRecordings.com.
Indie Record
Label to open Merchandise Company this week offering
officially licensed product and band merchandise with
both new and established artists.
Online
Retail Company, Sunset Vending is being launched this
week by founder Don Lichterman.
New online
music merchandise retailer Sunset Vending (www.Sunset-Vending.com)
is being launched by Sunset Records founder Don
Lichterman. The new online merch company is designed to
accompany products made for his new music artists signed
to the Sunset labels, with legendary branded music
artists like The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, The Rolling
Stones, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and AC/DC. Sunset
Vending has also signed specific license deals to resell
and offer popular branded items by iconic organizations
and estates like Sesame Street, Star Trek, Marylyn
Monroe, Star Wars, John Wayne, Betty Boop, DC Comics
(Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman), Looney Tunes (Taz,
Bugs Bunny, Tweeter and Sylvester), Snoopy and the
Peanuts gang along with many more official licensed
deals that are currently in place. And along with many
new license deals that are coming to the company.
Sunset
Vending will set up its artists from its indie labels
with specific popular merchandise items that bands will
be able to sell online at Sunset Vending, at their own
websites, at the labels web sites, at Amazon’s store
along with being able to sell these products at their
live shows. Sunset distributes (Sunset Distribution
Company) an array of established and brand new acts like
Sekshun 8, Gina Thompson, Federal Moguls (QBall from
Bloodhound Gang), Anthony Geraci, TenPenny Joke, Down
From Zero, Capt. Crunk, Original Black Pantah, I Kong
along with Mark Simmons, Deon Cole, Kevin Hart and other
live recordings from shows at the Laff House Comedy
Club. “I am in hope that the Sunset Vending Company will
give us the ability to showcase some cool band
merchandise," says Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset
Vending, “and that has already begun to pay off because
even just yesterday; I picked up a unique product line
hand made by a fan of the band Sekshun 8.”
(Don)
Lichterman then says, that he “implemented the merch
company’s business plan in the same exact way that I
started my other companies at Sunset, which is to
accompany my new signings with established, branded and
legendary music artists.” Sunset Vending plans to allow
bands to get their merchandise into dedicated fans hands
without having to buy them at shows and Sunset Vending
will also be selling official licensed products by
popular music artists.
JANUARY
2010
Sunset Live
(www.Sunset-Live.com) is honored to join OurStage, MTV
Networks and their partners to bring our community live
streaming coverage of “Hope for Haiti”.
The live
concert downloads will also be available at iTunes after
the show ends tonight. The Hope For Haiti Concert
features live performances by Wyclef Jean, George
Clooney and CNN’s Anderson Cooper will host the two-hour
global telethon airing Friday, January 22 at 8 p.m.
ET/PT. And, the celebrities also scheduled to appear in
support of relief efforts include Bruce Springsteen,
Sting, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Shakira, Stevie
Wonder, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews,
John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Sheryl
Crow, Kid Rock, Keith Urban, Coldplay, Bono, The Edge,
Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rihanna...Go To Sunset-Live.com to see
the show!
DECEMBER 2009
Sunset moves its record label
web sites to the Secure Green Web Hosting
Platform and Web Servers Powered By Wind and
Solar Energy
Sunset Records moved over 60
web sites last week to its new web servers
powered by wind technology and solar energy
Sunset, the “greenest” record
company in the world, takes its
environmental campaigns to another level by
using Wind Powered Technologies' and Solar
Powered energies’ to provide its’ Web
application security, Storage for its web
servers along with its PCI compliance for
its record label and artist hosted web
sites. Sunset will continue to provide the
current and the future artists signed to the
label, their own private portals providing
security, SQL relational databases and a
Cross Platform Site Script. In addition,
Sunset now has their servers at their
specific co-location with dedicated hosting
for its label web sites and artists web
sites.
Don Lichterman, the head of
Sunset say that "After using a few solutions
over the last three years, and considering
my vision for my online infrastructure at
Sunset, dealing with this transition now was
an easy decision to make this month.” (Don)
Lichterman goes onto say that “moving our
content to our new servers is not only the
first step in becoming environmentally sound
at work, it is also long overdue for us to
be using
an environmentally conscious,
carbon neutral online business model,” and
“it starts with how we house our content on
its servers.” Lichterman also feels that in
doing this now at Sunset, “we will always be
able to cater to
our growing company and this
is just more incentive and added value that
our staff and artists get when you work at
the world's greenest record label".
Sunset is also known for
starting one of the most comprehensive and
critically acclaimed digital only record
labels this last year with Sunset Connect (www.SunsetConnect.com).
"(Sunset) Connect became very well known
this year and the press has been over the
top great for us gaining the recognition
after starting a label like Sunset Connect
this year,” says Lichterman, and “now, there
is zero hypocrisy which is why I felt so
good after making that change this month.”
Sunset will also provide their staffers,
labels and artists even more secure and even
more compliant to the digital millennium
Acts and “without a huge investment in
resources and/or man hours,” and Lichterman
ends the conversation saying that “I am so
happy to have this added value implemented
to our online solution."
Sunset is one of the
forefront runners and one of the most
innovative record labels in the world. The
company’s web site infrastructure is powered
with 100% renewable wind and solar energy
(90% wind, 10% solar) rendering its servers
and business operations carbon neutral. Don
Lichterman and his Sunset record Labels take
practicing social responsibility and its
overall Green Movement on its daily business
operations, to another level this month.
Mac Dividinz gets set up with Sunset Urban
with their debut international release of
Hypersonic!
Hypersonic is the debut CD by Mac Dividinz
being released at Sunset Urban.
Some veteran rap and hip-hop aficionados
have articulated many concerns over the
direction of hardcore rap in the recent
years and dating back to the early 90’s.
Their argument is that hardcore rap told a
story with a heavy conscience in the '80s,
and then rap segued to talking about their
own bling while they dove in sports cars
pitting east coast and west coast rappers
proudly referring to their own selves as, a
“thug” while smoking blunts surrounded by
“bitches, hoes, and hotties shaking big
booties.” However, in today’s world, rap can
be very positive and uplifting with MCs and
popular rap bands like the Roots, Too $hort,
Public Enemy, Common, Eminem, Ice T,
Blackalicious as well as other rappers that
sing with that hardcore and style that is
very much in your face. Mac Dividinz’s debut
album, Hypersonic, is no doubt hardcore and
no doubt in your face from beginning to end
of this CD. The Oklahoma-based rapper was a
teen when he initially started rapping music
while today; his songs have grown to be very
accessible to any audience that loves rap
music. He speaks about socio concerns in a
very severe way.
For instance with the initial single being
worked to the urban radio format to stations
all over the world, “I Got This"
communicates an accessible story geared to
grab anyone from any socio environment.
Hypersonic is not an album filled with songs
with words that are making an attempt to
save the world, “but he is no doubt sending
a huge message to the world,” says Don
Lichterman, the head of Sunset Urban. (Don)
Lichterman goes on to say that it’s a
“tribute to his (Mac Dividinz) talent and
that he loves what he does with rapping his
music” and that Sunset Urban is releasing a
“serious rap album that is an unprecedented
67 minutes long CD.” The Mac Dividinz debut
album a quintessential down and dirty rap
album that will overwhelm rap music lovers
with the “in your face” style and “in your
face” music theme. “(Mac) Dividinz is not
reinventing the wheel so to speak,” says
(Don Lichterman from Sunset, “it is one the
best rap albums from beginning to end in a
very long time and I mean every song on
Hypersonic is a top level.” The overall beat
coupled with his rap, is contagious, deep
and is very strong music. (Mac) Dividinz has
great melodies with catchy hooks on every
song. The sixteen (16) songs on the
Hypersonic CD is an entertaining example of
down home hardcore rap music.
Born David Jones and raised in Oklahoma,
USA, (Mac) Dividinz grew up with an eye on
his artist career. As a teen, he followed
the lead of his influences growing up by
writing and performing on his own, until he
eventually sent in the “raps” to (Don)
Lichterman at Sunset Urban. Bothe Sunset and
Dividinz feel this is the perfect fit
considering the career of Mac (Dividinz) and
with Sunset Urban, the hip hop and rap label
at Sunset. “I was so impressed with his rap,
it took me days to close that deal,” says
Lichterman whom signed the up and coming rap
artist to his Sunset Urban Record label. The
label had initially hope to get it out this
year but considering the length of the full
length CD and its sixteen (16) songs; it was
worth waiting until the street day in 2010
on January 26th.
NOVEMBER 2009
Master M.C. Makes Sunset
Urban Debut with "Mezclando Estilos"
Sunset Urban Records has set
November 17th as the street date for the
excitedly anticipated label debut from the
Latin rap superstar Master M.C.
Released through Sunset Urban
Records, the album is already being called a
breakthrough in the Latin hip-hop format and
genre of music. When Master M.C. inked a
worldwide deal with Sunset Urban this year,
he became the first artist in the Latin
hip-hop genre to sign with the major Indy
urban styled record label. Don Lichterman,
the head of Sunset Urban, calls the Master
M.C. debut CD "a melodic voyage of Latin and
Afro Caribbean ethos.” (Don) Lichterman
continues to say that “the music is a
constant groove with poetic words in
”espanol” of all things, but I am told what
he is rapping to us very much from deep
within Misael’s (Master M.C,.) heart.” and
“for me, I hear a high level unique
synthesis of so many dance elements taken
from customary Latin styles crossing over to
traditional Urban blending hip-hop, rap and
I even hear elements that are Jamaican
reggae, blues, Cuban rumba, bomba
puertorriqueña and New York salsa all
blended into 10 songs on this CD.”
“The variety of pleasant
sounding styles that Master M.C. brings
together on "MEZCLANDO ESTILOS" is echoed in
the array of music he produces throughout
the entire album,” says Lichterman. Steering
clear of the do to excess of computer-driven
music of today, Master M.C. brings vocal
music blended with percussion and brass
creating a bright sounding classic groove of
rhythms that rivals legendary salsa greats
and hip-hop stars today.
"MEZCLANDO ESTILOS" contains
10 dance tracks all written by Misael
Rosado, a.k.a. Master M.C. The first single
for the Latin, Urban and Hip-hop markets is
" Desde Que Te Conosi," with the entire CD
self produced by Master M.C.
After announcing Master
M.C.’s signing to Sunset Urban in the spring
of 2009, Sunset Urban Chairman/CEO Don
Lichterman stated, "The commercial boom for
developing new Latin styled music fused with
other styles has been going on for a long
time in the U.S., and with Master M.C., in
the middle of me listing to his music for
the first time earlier this year, I knew he
would be the perfect next signing to the
Sunset Urban label.” Lichterman says that
the “Latin hip-hop genre of music had been
seeping into the mainstream and honestly,
Master M.C.’s unique and innovative style of
music is what made me want to sign him that
day.” Lichterman ends by saying that he
plans on setting up Master M.C. as one of
the “top new urban driven Latin music
artists in the world,” and that “the signing
of Master M.C. is perfect for Sunset Urban.”
Born and raised in
Ponce, Puerto Rico, Misael Rosado - AKA "Master M.C."
– has quickly garnered international acclaim
because of his unique musical style, which
blends salsa grooves, ;Latin raps and
Afro-Caribbean rhythms with hip-hop and even
a reggaeton / dancehall reggae feel.
Lyrically, he has touched into new ground
releasing an album in Spanish inspired by
his genuine roots in life, crafting grooves
with a social message that touches into
racism, poverty, and class repression.
Master M.C. brings together hip-hop in
modern Spanish, and his continuous grooves
in his songs are what make Master M.C.'s
demand transcend the economy issues of
today, race issues of today and all social
issues of today, as this debut CD has
crossover capability.
Hardcore Rap / Hip Hop
artist, Mac Dividinz, gets ready to break
new ground by Signing Record Deal with
Sunset Urban
Sunset Urban Records, an
independent hip-hop and rap record label,
announces the signing with Mac Dividinz.
Sunset Urban Records is set
up to distribute market and promote the
debut Mac Dividinz CD, Hypersonic due to hit
stores by the end of the year. Mac Dividinz
will work the new CD to be distributed
through the developing network of
distribution resources available through the
Sunset Urban Records system.
The first release under the new deal is set
to be released on December 15 and the Rap
and Hip-hop artist is mastering that debut
in the studio this week. A veteran producer
Dividenz has produced or recorded many
artists, but this is the first solo project
released on a major Indy level.
Additionally, the Sunset Urban label is
starting to work its music through the
Universal Motown distribution system and the
new Hip Hop artist will be the first sunset
act set up this way. Sunset will digitally
distribute the debut CD through the
Universal Motown web site portal beginning
December 15th. The first release by the
unique rapper is being set up this week at
Sunset.
He's one of those artists with an incredible
and unique rap style and his words are
innovative which is what made me want to
close this deal this year," said Sunset
Urban Records Founder Don Lichterman. "(Mac)
Dividenz is the perfect addition to the
Sunset Urban roster and we are using him to
as a guinea pig so to speak, as the first
artist set up with our new distribution
system in place," Lichterman continues to
say about the Mac Dividinz signing this
week.
OCTOBER 2009
Sunset Records Strikes Deal to Integrate
its Mobile Content with Vio Mobile
Agreement Will Enable Vio Mobile Users
and Vio Distribution Partners to Seamlessly Release
Sunset Records Contextually Relevant Ringtones
at Hundreds of Retailers and Mobile Carriers All Over
The World!
Sunset Records announced today it has
signed an agreement with Vio Mobile, one of the
industry’s leaders in mobile distribution, to provide
mobile ringtones across several mobile retail channels,
with hundreds of mobile carriers in territories all over
the world.
Under this newly signed mobile
distribution agreement, Sunset Records ringtones will be
integrated into the Vio Mobile distribution network,
enabling millions of users globally to effortlessly
discover Sunset’s mobile content. Vio Mobile is also
integrating its distributed ringtone catalog with the
popular electronics company, Acer, for branded purchases
so buyers of the new Acer MP3 Player, can discover its
music on the new Acer media player. Sunset Records will
also ensure that its links to the Vio Mobile website are
set up integrated on every artist page. The Sunset
artist pages are set up that when fans click through the
links off their artist pages, they will be offered
ringtones, playback tunes, wallpaper graphics and all
relevant mobile content.
“The Sunset Records partnership with Vio
Mobile emphasizes our continued expansion to get our
music placed in every worldwide distribution channel and
then also highlights how we can integrate our content
with ease,” says Don Lichterman, the Head of Sunset
Records. “I was impressed right away with what Ivan
(Woodson) has built at his company,” says Lichterman
about this deal and that he is “confident that Vio
Mobile partners and its users will be able to find our
mobile content in every network and all over the world.”
With this deal in place today, Sunset
will have its catalog of recorded music available
through the Vio Mobile network of over TWO HUNDRED (200)
mobile carriers around the world.
SEPTEMBER
2009
Latin Hip Hop dance Artist Master MC
has officially signed a new
record deal with the New York City based,
Sunset Urban Records.
Sunset Urban signs the Master
MC to a worldwide recording deal, the new
album is due out in mid November this year.
When Don Lichterman, the head
of Sunset Urban and Sunset Records, first
heard the music of Master MC, he says that
“there was no doubt that I felt he was the
next ingredient to add to the Urban label.”
(Don) Lichterman has implemented one of the
most cutting edge urban styled record labels
last year. With this latest signing of
Master MC this week, he (Lichterman) has
grown the Urban styled record label with an
artist roster boasting 5 of the most cutting
edge and colorful hip-hop recording artists
in the world, Lil Dynomite, Capt. Crunk,
Blackwell (“Lost But Found” peaked at #6 at
WZZA this year) and of course the platinum
selling Gina Thompson released her “Missing
You” CD at the upstart label early this
year. Not to mention, (Don) Lichterman has
orchestrated the production deals with
Blackwell’s, NYCE Music (Lil Dynomite) and
with Rod Millwood (Mykal Rose, Don Ward,
Kevin Hart, Gina Thompson) making them
“Staff Producers” at Sunset Urban Records.
Sunset Urban is fast becoming
one of the more successful independent music
labels in the world. The Sunset Urban roster
of artists scanned more than 23,000
downloads, streams and ringtones in the last
few months, making this a label to watch
within this genre. “I just love the fact
that Miseal (Master MC) breaks through many
international cultures with his music,” says
Don Lichterman, “I love the fact that some
of my favorite songs he is recording for
this album, are in Espanola.”Lichterman then
says about the signing that "We have an
implausible array of colorful music at
Sunset Urban, I just love the way this label
has evolved in the last year."And, hip hop
fans will not have to wait long for another
Sunset Urban release which excites (Don )
Lichterman, “I honestly did not think we
were going to release any other music after
Blackwell’s, Chocolate Audio CD this year
because that is out within two weeks.” The
label now hopes that Master MC will emerges
as the newest success story at Sunset Urban.
Hailed on the east coast as
one of the most original and colorful
artists, Master MC is now in the studio
recording the final few songs for the newest
CD. The label is setting the new CD for a
mid November release in order to get the CD
into stores this year. The label head expect
to get the final masters at some point this
week.
For up to date information
about Master MC, you can visit the official
Sunset Urban artist page,
www.MasterMC.SunsetUrban.com.
Blackwell continues his 2000’s surge to the
top of the Urban Music community with the
release of his next multi-faceted Chocolate
Audio CD.
Sunset Urban gets ready for the fall release
of the next Blackwell CD, Chocolate Audio,
is all set to hit stores on October 6th.
Calling on influences of the likes of
heavyweight hip hop and rap music artists,
Blackwell has churned out his next full
length CD entitled, Chocolate Audio, just in
time for the holidays this year. Self
produced, the CD is yet another colorful
blend of melodic hip hop songs by the
exceptional lyricist and producer,
Blackwell. Blackwell blends his colorful
grooves into slow-melodic-jam styled R&B
infusion with great harmonies, as is the
case on all three Blackwell CDs
(Un4giveable, Heartbreak) released at Sunset
Urban. Blackwell also blends his usual
catchy hip-hop style on this groovy and
soulful full length album, with the
exceptional harmonies he produces into his
songs. The first single, "Think Twice," is
yet another great sample of his unique
approach to hip-hop music and Blackwell did
garner some successes at radio with his
Heartbreak CD, as did the follow-up single
"Lost But Found 2009 Mix," which Lost But
Found did peak at #6 this year at WSCA
radio. Blackwell has also produced another
MTV music video that you can find online
starting this month, and the album features
many of his up-and-coming artists signed
through his NYCE Music production company.
And, his latest CD, Chocolate Audio is the
perfect testament to Blackwell’s lovable
overweight Casanova persona that shows off
his way with women. Blackwell's production
is noticeably unyieldingly tightly put
together with his up-tempo sound in songs
like, "Where It All Started Part 3."
“Michael (Blackwell) gets carte blanche with
me and this album is perfectly put together
for the label. Plus, we have a great single
with Think Twice that will be worked to
Urban Radio all over the world,” says Don
Lichterman, the head of Sunset Urban.
Lichterman continues by saying that
“Blackwell's respect in the urban and
hip-hop culture is evidenced by the radio
play he gets day one and with minimal
effort.”
Blackwell is best known for his NYCE Music
Group company bringing up top hip hop
artists like his label mate Lil Dynomite,
Sunset Urban Records signed him to a
production deal in 2008. He released his
“Heartbreak” CD last year as a front line CD
at Sunset Urban and the label also released
his debt self released Un4givable CD through
its Sunset Strategic Marketing company as a
catalog title. “It’s a great campaign and
this guy is a total work horse in the music
industry,” says Lichterman about Blackwell.
Blackwell does stay true to his obvious
unique roots style of hip hop music.
Currently Blackwell’s single, ’Think Twice,’
is already set up to be released as a
download, ringtone and as a track on the
full length CD.
Track listing
Split Theze Barz (Entro)
Drop Dat Zero
Waiting (Interlude)
Patiently Waiting
Morning After
Shorty Wanna Ride
Tha Curb
Swagga Back
Where It All Started Part 3
(I Want A) BBW Club Mix
Think Twice
Lost But Found (2009 Mix)
Un4Givable (Street Anthem)
Sick Of You
APRIL
2009
Sunset Urban Recording artist LIL DYNOMITE
teams up with NYCE producer Blackwell to
bring you the “Blowin’ Up The Mic” CD on
April 28th!
Lil Dynomite of Sunset Urban Records and her
Blowing Up The Mic CD is set to hit stores
on April 28. The talented recording artist
is teaming up with top producer, Blackwell
whom produced the full length CD. The label
started working the first single, “Different
Breed” to radio beginning this week.
As part of their growth in the last year,
the Sunset Urban label will releases two CDs
this month (Lil Dynomite’s Blowing Up the
Mic CD and Capt. Crunk’s Freestyle Crunk CD)
and Lil Dynomite will appear at Festivals
throughout the entire summer in support of
the debut CD being released on April 28.
During her live appearances this summer, Lil
Dynomite will sign autographs, take pictures
and meet her fans during the festivals. She
will spend her summer singing her anthems,
such as the first single, “Different Breed”
which a song every female should hear today.
The head of Sunset Urban, Don Lichterman
says that “the song was done last year and
has nothing to do with the popular artists
Rhianna and Chris Brown.” Different Breed is
a song about women’s abuse and “we just love
the song and because it’s timely, I am
working it to radio as the top single,” says
Lichterman.
Lil Dynomite is noticeably one of the top
rappers that will be one of the more
successful female MC's of our generation.
“That song Ba Ba Blacksheep,” says Don
Lichterman, “is totally unique hip hop
song,” and that seems to be part of the
appeal when signing a deal with Lichterman’s
Sunset Urban. In the northeast United
States, Lil Dynomite is no doubt one of the
most recognized up and coming female rap and
hiphop artists in the music industry. With
an unquestionable good look, a unique way of
writing her material and combined with her
down to earth personality, Lil Dynomite has
set a very high standard for new women in
rap music. Lil Dynomite sees the value and
need to empower young women to reach for
their goals no matter what their situation
is in life. It is not doubt to see that this
young star understands her inevitable fame
and notoriety will allow for her to present
a positive influence for young women.
The Lil Dynomite Blowing Up The Mic CD has a
prominent remix with the song, “Question”
remixed by Blackwell. When she first stepped
on the scene last year playing live in
concert, she caught the attention of
Blackwell whom turned the music quickly over
to Lichterman (Don) to sign at the label.
And, just like every fun loving young female
growing up in the hip-hop world, her music
and personal life have been a constant
evolution. Her debut album, "Blowin Up The
Mic" which gets worked to radio starting
April 13, is now ready for major retail
stores on April 28.
MARCH
2009
Sunset Urban
Records Artist Capt. Crunk To Release Highly
Anticipated Live Freestyle HipHop CD
Sunset Urban
Records artist Capt. Crunk announces the
worldwide release of "Freestyle Crunk," a 12
song full length CD on March 31. His
Freestyle CD will be bundled with his
previous hiphop album released at the label
last year. The freestyle CD will be
available for purchase at the starting low
SRP of $9.99.
Capt. Crunk
will began playing live again this year
starting this week in new York City at the
Karma Theater. Since the beginning of the
year, he has produced these extremely
anticipated freestyle rap songs with a
tight knit group of people. Crunk just
lately brought the concept CD to Don
Lichterman, the head of Sunset Urban
Records. And, the “Speed Crunk” track it's
quickly impacting hardcore Urban styled
radio stations and including college radio
stations. To listen to the Freestyle Rap CD
in its entirety, it si now available at
every online retail outlet and you can
always go to www.Capt. Crunk.SunsetUrban.com
Capt. Crunk
stated from the ASCAP offices in New York
City that he "loves freestyle rapping” and
that he “loves that people want to hear me
rap this way.” Crunk goes on to say that
“when extreme things happen in my life, I
love making it into a song and the fact that
people are entertained by these raps, is
incredible for me!"
Capt. Crunk
released his debut album, "It’s A Hell Of A
Drug," in the summer of 2008, to great
acclaim within the hiphop community, the
album became well known also for its
controversial artwork.
The Twelve
Song Full Length Fresstyle Crunk CD listing
is as follows:
1. Get Dat
Dough
2. Treez N Liqs
3. Seed Coming
4. I Deliver
5. Born U Lames
6. 12:01
7. Twisted
8. Speed Crunk
9. Lost
10. I'll Tell U Y
11. Open The Door
12. So Real
All songs on
the Freestyle Crunk CD are previously
commercially unreleased and are all new
songs by Capt. Crunk.
Capt. Crunk
and his live Freestyle hip-hop sound will
perform in New York City at the Karma
Theater
For the
first time this year, New York City will
behold the impressive Hip-hop & R&B event as
five of the freshest freestyle artists rap
together at the Karma Theater.
Dubbed the
“Live 09 Hip Hop & R&B Concert”, this
one-night only concert on April 8 features
some of the best freestyle rappers in the
Bronx – Capt. Crunk, Hardkore, Da Black
Pope, B.L.O. and Da Orlock – performing back
to back after one another to deliver their
freestyle style of live music to New York
City hip hop fans.
Multi
faceted and the Sunset Urban recording
artist Capt. Crunk, known for his real life
style of rap and for his freestyle of rap is
a favorite for live performances. “Crunk
always thrives playing live giving people a
great night of hip-hop music,” says Don
Lichterman, the head of Sunset Urban, “he is
made for the live stage and no doubt will he
play some of his more popular songs such as
“Club Crunk”, “Haunted Thoughts”, “Gunz &
Drugz”, “Lost Souls” and then now, there is
so much more material to play now that we
are releasing his Freestyle Crunk CD today.”
Capt. Crunk will no doubt give these fans a
serious set of rap music.
Performing
with Capt Crunk is some of the local
favorite hip hop acts and the show is hosted
by none other than Knowledge. Capt. Crunk
first turned heads in the music industry
last year by showing up on Grammy Nomination
Ballot in 2008 many times for the award show
this year. His debut, It’s A Hell Of A Drug”
gained critical acclaim last year and at the
same time, turned heads last year with its
controversial cover artwork when the CD was
refused to be stocked at the major retail
chain, Target. His new freestyle original
“Speed Crunk” is being added to hardcore
urban radio stations around the world.
Expect many freestyle songs along with
original songs from the debut studio CD.
Catch these
sensational rap and hip-hop styled artists
perform for one night only at the “Live 09
Hip Hop & R&B Concert” at the Karma Theater
on April 8 at 8:00 p.m. It’s the first time
playing together this year, and with all the
hype surrounding the show, it’s truly going
to be a must-see concert in downtown
Manhattan!
Lil Dynomite Ready to Embark on a Summer
Filled with festival Concerts!
Sunset Urban recording artist sets up a
summer of live shows at popular east coast
festivals in support of her new Blowin Up
The Mic CD due to hit stores on April 28.
The Maine-based Female MC hip-hop artist,
Lil Dynomite has been busy recording her new
CD and getting ready to play live all summer
in support of that new release. Fresh out of
the studio which began sessions last year,
she finished up her first CD for Sunset
Urban Records this month. Her Blowin Up The
Mic Tour has her playing at major music
festivals in the northeast and in Maine and
speaking of young women that have great
empowerment, Lil Dynomite took over the
hip-hop scene by performing many times in
2008, (Lil) Dynomite is not even close to
slowing her concert schedule down this year.
The head of the Sunset Urban label, Don
Lichterman said in a press release that she
is now rehearsing every day and preparing
for a run of shows that start in late May at
the memorial weekend Peace Jam festival, and
will not stop until the very special
September 11th Music Festival in
Harmony, Maine and then ending at this
year’s Harvest Music Festival. While playing
live to this broad of an audience, Lil
Dynomite can not only show her talents as
one of the today’s’ best MCs and hip-hop
rappers, this is a great opportunity to mix
art and music.
Her debut album, Blowing Up The Mic is
produced by Blackwell and is due to be in
stores on April 28th. She was
last heard on the Sunset Urban and Blackwell
Heartbreak CD. As the first female hip-hop
and rap style artist at Sunset Urban and
with the new LP produced by Blackwell, Lil
Dynomite is posed to help reinvent the
hip-hop music scene and plans to bring all
of her young fans along for the ride all
summer long!
Tour dates:
5/22/2009 - 5/24/2009 - Peace Jam Festival,
Harmony, ME
7/16/2009 - 7/19/2009 - Sommerset County
Jam Music Festival, Harmony, ME
8/1/2009 - 8/3/2009 - Beltek, Belmont, ME
8/14/2009 - 8/16/2009 - Be Here Now
Festival, Starks, ME
8/20/2009 - 8/23/2009 - Hempstock, Harmony,
ME
9/11/2009 - 9/13/2009 - We Be Jammin',
Harmony, ME
10/1/2009 - 10/4/2009 - Harvest Festival,
Maine
For more information about any of these
scheduled live shows, visit
LilDynomite.SunsetUrban.com for a detailed
map to every concert.
To book interviews, appearances or to book
any night shows during the festival season:
don.lichterman@sunseturban.com
(646) 670.8589.
NYCE Music Group Announces Production Deal
with Sunset Urban
First
Release to Be the Highly Anticipated Lil
Dynomite Album.
The brand
new Ohio based urban/hip-hop production
company, NYCE Music Production Company, has
just announced a production deal for retail
and digital distribution with the Sunset
Urban Record Company. Sunset Records
distributes Sunset Urban and the deal
encompasses all music and video releases
brought to the label by the NYCE Music
Group.
NYCE is
an urban music and lifestyle production
company that finds and records new urban
recording artists. Production company
founder and owner Michael Blackwell is also
the artist known as Blackwell says, "The
NYCE Music Group is a music network,
Production Company which I started to be
able expose the best in independent Urban
and Hip-Hop music. With the backing of
Sunset Urban, I will now be able use the
resources of the record label, as well as
releasing original videos for home video DVD
and for video downloads. The newly created
deal with Sunset Urban & Sunset Records
gives me the ability and the access to
working our music through one of the major
independent record labels and distribution
companies in the world. We will be able to
attain a much greater fan base for the music
that comes out of my production company.
And, when Don (Lichterman) came to me about
this deal today, I was very excited knowing
this was the best of every world for NYCE!”
The Sunset Urban release schedule is set up
with the NYCE artist releases starting
already next month in April. Sunset Urban
already is filled with an incredible roster
of hip-hop artists. The debut release
brought to the label by Blackwell and his
NYCE production company is the female
hip-hop sensation, Lil Dynomite, and her
debut release is on April 28. The full
length CD is also the great platform that
shows the production chops of the Canton,
Ohio based hip-hop aficionado, Blackwell.
The leading indie hip-hop and soul artist is
one of the premier rap artists whose
sophomore album features his first signing
NYCE is running through Sunset.
Other
NYCE music and video titles are set in place
for Sunset Urban in 2009 and that does not
include the initial Blackwell Un4givable
album and the radio friendly Heartbreak CD
which is already being run through Sunset
Urban. Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset
Urban and Sunset Records says, “Michael
(Blackwell) is one of the great artists to
work. He gives you so much marketing on his
own that I wanted to find bigger ways to use
his talent. He is not only a great artist
work, I expect his production work to be
great and I saw that with Lil Dynomite after
one second.” Lichterman then says that
“after listening to the Lil Dynomite album,
I just want to make his production company
and our label more valuable because of this
deal.”
The NYCE
Music Group has the enviable opportunity to
use the Sunset Urban record label staff and
its company resources being a major Indy
Record Company to manufacture, distribute,
promote, market and represent their music
and video material for many years. The
impressive release schedule by Sunset this
year is a direct reflection of the
innovative and artistic management as well
as the label’s commitment to developing some
of the most acclaimed independent music to
the world. The mixture of having direct
access to a leading Indy label at Sunset
with Major Indy distribution through CBuJ
Entertainment, NYCE should be able to find
new urban styled music for the Sunset Urban
Record label.
For more information
on NYCE Music, contact Michael Blackwell.
FEBRUARY
2009
The Founder of Sunset Records Opens One of
the World’s Most Extensive Animal Friendly
and Vegan Related Web Sites
Veg Hed opens its
online store providing products never used
with animals and strategic partners with
activists that are against all forms of
animal cruelty.
A New Jersey based
organization with shared office space at
Sunset in New York City, Veg Hed is now the
best resource for “vegan” product and
related care products from top brands, and
is also set up as a very precise way to find
out about pivotal animal activist companies.
The company also extended its range of
releasing music and video by releasing
organic and eco friendly related DVD titles.
Known for its quality of music and
innovative record label structure, Sunset is
finding ways to use its resources for
various forms of activism and awareness. Don
Lichterman, the head of Sunset is also the
founder of the Sustainable Action Network
and the Green Junkee online retail store.
Lichterman says, “Veg Hed is an extension
within our office and we are doing a series
of special markets CDs with a concept of
using only music artists that eat veggie
every day and artists that are against
animal cruelty. This is my way to fulfill my
larger dream of being able to do more for
humans and animals in this world. Having the
ability to promote and distribute products
with top retail outlets like Amazon and
Target gives us an instant reach at 12% of
the online retail marketplace.”
Veg Hed not only will release its own
product line, the site brings together other
vegan product lines and links to vegan
fashion stores. Veg Hed also has up to date
information with a few of the top animal
activist companies in the world. Without
many great resources for shopping for vegan
items online, and to gain information about
vegetarian living and organizations that do
incredible things for wildlife, Veg Hed
brings this together on one web site.
Lichterman says, “Unless you are looking for
a specific item that you use all the time,
using products not tested on animals and
using products, let alone products that have
no animal product could be difficult to find
online and in stores. I am trying to find
ways to make this so easy for people to buy
these types of products all together in one
order. I am also trying to use top brands
that manufacturer product without any
animals. And, I want to make sure people
know they have easy choices to buy every
type of product that does not use animals.
This is more about awareness and reaching
out to a more mainstream consumer while
explaining this to them in a very easy way.”
Consumers are able to buy Sunset DVDs and
Sunset CDs that are related to wildlife as
well as strategically partnered companies
with products that manufacturer vegan styles
clothing, cosmetics, and clothing along with
products from the PETA (People For The
Ethical Treatment Of Animals) Mall, the
ASCAP store, the Sea Sheperd online store
and items from the North Shore Animal
League. The store is also affiliated with
the Dr. Foster and Smith Company to resell
their product line.
JANUARY 2009
Gina Thompson’s Missing You is being
released worldwide on Sunset Urban!
There are few
female R&B vocalists, in Gina Thompson’s
case over ten (10) years ago, can attest to
the success that a platinum selling artist
with albums released on two different major
record labels (Mercury/Motown and Elektra),
working with the top record producers in the
industry (Stevie J., Sean “P Diddy” Combs)
and doing a single with Grammy Award Winner,
Missy Elliot, can talk about it today as
their new single rises up the charts.
Having sold over a million CDs worldwide,
the platinum selling artist is now set to
release its third (3rd) album, "Missing You"
on February 3, on Sunset Urban Records. “The
single went to number one right away at
Music choice’s Musica Urbana Channel so we
had to get this out as soon as humanly
possible, and it still took a few months for
Rod (Millwood) to finish the CD,” says Don
Lichterman, the head of Sunset Urban.
Lichterman says the Urban Record Label will
work this music vigorously to HipHop radio
stations and to urban format stations. “Rod
(Millwood) gave us many versions of the song
to work so my plan is to send this hip-hop
and urban along with world music stations
and reggae stations,” says Lichterman about
the new CD entitled, Missing You.
Rod Millwood is very well known for his
staff producer deal he has in place with
Lichterman’s label. Millwood has produced
international top selling artists Mykal Rose
(Black Uhuru), Mark Simmons, Roz, L. Myers,
Don Ward and Kevin Hart along with his work
with Gina Thompson. Millwood is also the
owner of the world famous comedians club
located on the popular South Street in
Philadelphia. Lichterman considers Millwood
one of the top producers in the world today.
“Rod makes everything sound at such a high
level that he has carte blanche with the
label,” says Lichterman.
Over the course of Gina's career, the
accomplished R&B and Soulful vocalist has
released music at two (2) of the top record
labels in the world, before now releasing
her third (3rd) album entitled Missing You
at the Sunset Urban Record Label. Her new
single, "We Don’t Even Talk No More," has
already shot up the charts according to
Music Choice and its Musica Urbana Channel
being the #1 song in its 1st week going for
radio adds, and is currently going to try to
be the most increased played song over the
next few weeks. With The label is servicing
all HipHop and Urban radio stations tracked
by R&R (Radio & Records) and at BDS/Nielsen,
since its release is not until next month,
the label expects the song to be added to
all major radio stations over the next
couple weeks.
The Missing You CD is a very unique styled
CD. It boasts many versions of the hit
single all produced by Rod Millwood.
Lichterman expects up to 4 of those versions
to get radio play. There is also a club mix
produced by Millwood that could be one of
the favorite versions of the hit single.
There is also a dancehall style and even a
reggaeton version that is potential hits
themselves and then there is a smooth R&B
version of the song. “When I sat with Rod
last year to hear the new music, we did not
know what way to go with the songs,” says
Lichterman and “then it hit me to use all of
the great the versions of this songs and
work them to a few radio formats. Having
these versions makes this even a more fun
project for us to work this year. I think my
favorite version is the dancehall style and
the radio promotion people love the club mix
to work. We should all have these issues at
labels.”
"Rod (Millwood) is one of the hardest
working and most gifted producers on the
planet," states Don Lichterman, President
and Founder of Sunset Urban / Sunset
Records. "And, as far as my business plan at
Sunset Urban, having the new Gina CD at the
Sunset Urban label is incredible for what is
an independently privately owned record
company. To be able to release a major
recording artist whom I had worked with when
she did her Mercury album is almost surreal
for me today."
There is a plan to set up Sunset Urban shows
in select cities like New York City,
Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC in
March. That tour’s tentative line up with
Gina as the headline act is with Blackwell
and Capt. Crunk.
Capt. Crunk’s Freestyle HipHop Jams Will Be
Made Available on CD, as downloads and as Ringtones Downloadable at all major
retail outlets around the world
Some things should never go unheard which is
the mentality of Capt. Crunk and the Sunset Urban label head, Don Lichterman –
Freestyle Crunk is set to be released to stores in mid March. Crunk goes to work
in a Bronx recording studio this week!
“Crunk and I met at the ASCAP building last
week and I briefly said something to him about his freestyle jams he had spoken
about when we first met last year,” says (Don) Lichterman. “I thought it would
be perfect to follow up the debut CD (It’s A Hell Of A Drug) while it’s still
going strong” and “if we did something new this close to us working his debut
CD, I would want to something very unique and not a normal CD.””This is not only
a unique project for a hiphop artist; it will show off his talent because it’s
done a real time with his own words made up at that exact time.” Lichterman then
goes on to say that he saw the concept in action last month when he “posted the
freestyle Crunk videos on the Sunset Urban artist page.” And then the concept
album hit him as he “heard a Paul McCartney interview on Howard (Stern) about
his latest CD with a DJ in Florida which has him singing lyrics made up in the
studio the day of them recording that album.”
Since the hiphop artist released his first
full length CD with the label last year, Crunk has become an international
selling hiphop artist. His songs have been listened to by nearly 18,000 people
in just a few months. Now Capt Crunk fans will be able to have his freestyle
jams on CD and as downloads, ringtones and you can view the videos free at Capt.
Crunk’s artist page at Sunset Urban (CaptCrunk.SunsetUrban.com).Sunset Urban has
the original CD available at every retail outlet that sells music and the label
plans to have a free download promotion with the freestyle music along with
special bundled deals allowing his fans to combine songs from both CDs. The
music artist is also creating brand new artwork touted as a “Crunk styled
animation” for cell phones that will be sold with the freestyle album.
The artist has already spent a set of blocked
out time in the studio churning out 6 songs for the label this week. “This is a
compilation of some true life off the top of my head thoughts put down in a
recording,” says Capt. Crunk from the studio in the Bronx, New York. “I don’t
ever want anyone to stop respecting the power of the word,” says Crunk and
“there is something to say about recording music this way.” Capt. Crunk makes no
bones about working in the studio playing live is much different than laying
down tracks “having the ability to create layers of production” which is
generally done the traditional way.
Crunk fans will soon be able to take these
freestyle jams to the street and support their favorite hiphop superstar to show
off his innovative style of rap. Fans can buy the CD and get all of songs by
downloading the freestyle jams to the iPod, mp3 player and of course as their
ringtone. The final 6 songs will be done this week from the New York City
borough and the Sunset Urban street date for the brand new Freestyle Crunk CD is
set for March 17th, 2009.
Sunset Continues To Develop Music Through
Its Digital Record Label
Sunset has just launched a digital record
label this month, finding, signing and
developing music artists with the overall
objective of breaking them through its
distribution system, licensing network,
radio promotion, press and media departments
along with its live download company and
radio network.
Sunset Connect is the now the backbone for
the Sunset Records digital division and
moreover, this is one of their best ways for
the label to find new music. The label will
function as a newly created division at the
Sunset record label based in New York City.
The label started this month by releasing
full length albums by D’Cyple, Obka, Ric
Laue, Kan’Nal, Starr Cullars, Cryout, a
Cracker / David Lowery type of songwriter
from England named Clayton Road; and many
compilations that feature popular music
artists (The Crystal Method, Fatboy Slim,
Sneaker Pimps, Gavin Friday, Eve Gallagher,
Boy George, Leftfield, Death In Vegas and
more), and will now begin to sign more music
every month during this first year.
Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset Records,
will run the digital only label during the
key launch stages in the first few months,
finding new talent and implementing the A&R
and lead time administration. The Sunset
Connect digital label is set up to develop
bands working everything to major radio,
press, retail and for licensing
opportunities in film, TV and commercials in
an automated way. Lichterman’s Sunset Live
download company will be run through the
Sunset Connect distribution system although
it will be a standalone company run by its
own staff. The live concert download company
has just released a very special live
concert by the world famous comedian, Roz
(Last Comic Standing, Laff House Live).
Lichterman said about the digital label that
it is a convergence of many factors with
regard to the landscape of distribution and
working music today-- including promotional
mailings and mailings for music-licensing
opportunities, and today, every aspect of a
record label can be distributed to radio,
retail, press and licensing companies all
digitally -- made it the perfect climate to
start Sunset Connect. The label will provide
the ability to purchase physical CDs for
placement at Amazon, Target and its own CD /
DVD Store, through its On-Demand system
powered by Amazon’s Create Space.
"We have every aspect of what a record label
does for its music artists at Sunset
Connect, and working music this way is cost
effective for artists that it will no doubt
be the standard model for record labels,"
Lichterman said in a press release with
Billboard Media Wire. "We are poising Sunset
for that time by starting the label today
and at the same time, this label pays its
artist 70/30 splits on net sales, which will
keep everyone recouped making money every
pay period.” Sunset Connect will look to
hire a label head and other staff members
for A&R acquisitions with the label feeding
off the Sunset Records divisions for its
promotion, licensing, marketing and
administration.
While Sunset Records has made great progress
in the last year with its new music – the
Federal Moguls (QBall from Bloodhound Gang
and Troy Walsh (MTV.com) new project and
platinum recording artist Gina Thompson’s
new project as run through the main label
(Sunset Records and Sunset Urban
accordingly) -- the Sunset Connect record
label will be committed to developing new
talent and up-and-coming music artists. Each
of the artists on the label has already
released indie albums and Sunset Connect
distributes the entire catalogs of these
artists. "We have great lee way now to
develop new music without getting them
thousands of dollars in the unrecouped
column, and we can take on so many more
projects today," Lichterman said.
Sunset Connects business plan has taken the
same shape as the rest of the Sunset labels.
There is a perfect mix of brand new talent
in with established artist signings that are
legends in the industry. Of the new bands,
Kan’Nal’s “Gypsy” was the number one song
played on the Radio Italia Network last year
for a few weeks and D’Cyple’s two songs “My
Life” and “Don’t Wanna Be” have broken the
top 50 on the Indy Record Pool charts last
year and is still being featured in clubs
charting every month. Clayton Road also now
has two songs in Pure Play’s Music Network
and every artist is featured at Pandora.
Sunset Connect has digital deals with every
top online retailer including iTunes,
Real/Rhapsody, eMusic, Amazon MP3, Napster,
Shockhound and over 40 outlets. The digital
only label does make physical product via
Amazon’s On-Demand system making CDs
available at Amazon, target and the Sunset
Store, however, it will not carry any stock
inventory.
Top industry people at major labels and at
Indy labels admit there is no set formula
for a digital only record label. Lichterman
says that he has “found the perfect way to
make everyone money and work this music at
Sunset Connect as close to what you would do
for an artist that has a traditional record
deal.” He also was quick to say that the
idea of doing this now is almost “overdue,
but for us at Sunset, this the perfect time
for this type of label considering our label
wide rosters at this time. Our traditional
label is working like a machine and our
artists and staff producer (Rod Millwood)
were named on the Grammy Nomination Ballot
68 times leading up to December 5th. We now
have the formula to make sure this label
works like a cost effective machine and
ironically speaking, I could see this label
being the one that is the main label as the
industry phases out physical DVDs and CDs."
Sunset Live Will Presents The Laff House
Comedy Tour in 2009 along with a brand
new live Comedy CD by one of the worlds
top comedians, Kevin Hart!
Kevin Hart (Soul Plane, Scary Movie,
Epic Movie, 40 Year Old Virgin) will
release a brand new Full Length comedy
album in Spring 2009. The Laff House and
Sunset Live are planning a nation wide
tour with comedians from BET's Comic
Review, Def Jam Comedy Show ion HBO and
with Kevin on the bill. Hart is playing
three nights at the world famous
Punchline Comedy Club in San Francisco
from 2/5 to 27/. Kevin's last comedy CD,
I'm A Grown Little Man is a top selling
CD at Sunset!
all Sunset artists chart on the aol
powered our stage last month!
Thirteen
(13) Sunset artists broke the Top 100 at
AOL's Our Stage for December 2008. Eight
(8) Sunset artists broke the Top 50 and
four (4) Sunset artists broke the Top 25
for the last month in 2008!
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Sunset Corporate Communications &
News Archives - Newsroom 2008 - Click Here.
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